Xander Smit

I grew up on a farm but had to relocate. When I got a chance to work on a family farm in Minnesota, I embraced it and realized how much I missed farming. The first year was tough without my family, but I adapted and found joy in the work. I progressed from newcomer to foreman in three years, feeling fulfilled in my role. Eventually, I returned to South Africa, knowing I needed to establish my roots at home.

General Farm Worker & Maintenance at Kanten Farms Inc. (2022-01 – 2024-12)

Performed general farm work and maintenance tasks at a dairy farm operation

• Basic Maintenance and Repairs of Tractors and Trucks
• Building of Silage Piles at Dairy Farms
• Operated John Deere Loader, John Deere 9570RX, John Deere 8210R, John Deere 8130, Versatile 460 and 530, New Holland T8 360, Volvo Loader
• Performed maintenance, fertilizer spreading, grain cart operation, and equipment operation

Farm Foreman & Maintenance at Kanten Farms Inc. (2024-01 – Present)

Promoted to foreman role with supervisory and maintenance responsibilities at dairy farm

• Basic Maintenance and Repairs of Tractors and Trucks
• Building of Silage Piles at Dairy Farms
• Driving Truck, hauling cow and turkey waste, fertilizer and corn
• Operated John Deere Loader, John Deere 9570RX, John Deere 8210R, John Deere 8130, Versatile 460 and 530, New Holland T8 360, Volvo Loader
• Managed 100+ people during silage operations
• Managed 4 guys on the farm

Secondary School Diploma in General Education – DF Malherbe High School (2017-01 – 2021-12)